David Cameron ‘regrettably’ drops plans to relax the fox hunting ban

The Prime Minister was pressed in the Commons to quash rumours that the Hunting Act would be amended (Picture: Getty)

A coalition divide is thought to be behind plans to drop relaxations on the fox hunting ban, David Cameron revealed today.

The prime minister was pressed in the Commons to quash rumours that the Hunting Act would be amended to remove a two-dog limit when tracking foxes.

And he was also asked to confirm his commitment to the Coalition Agreement, which allows a free vote only to repeal the legislation.

Signalling a coalition divide, Mr Cameron told MPs proposals were being considered but said he regretted to say he did not believe there would be government agreement on the issue.

Farmers have argued a change is needed to control fox numbers after an increase in attacks on lambs.

Labour’s Angela Smith, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, asked the PM: ‘Westminster is awash with the rumour that the government is considering an amendment to the Hunting Act.

‘So will you take this opportunity to quash that rumour by confirming your commitment to the coalition agreement, which only allows for a free vote on the repeal of the legislation?’

Mr Cameron replied during prime minister’s questions: ‘There are always lots of rumours going round Westminster and it’s a good moment to talk about them.

‘As you know, as I’ve said before at this despatch box, proposals were made on a cross-party basis to (environment secretary Owen Paterson) about an amendment to the Hunting Act that would help in particular upland farmers deal with the problem of fox predation of their lands.

‘That letter has been received and is being considered but I regret to say I don’t think there’ll be government agreement to go forward.’